New Delhi: The country’s first indigenously built bomber Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), FWD 200B, has taken its maiden flight. It marks a huge leap in India becoming self-reliant in the defense sector.
The FWD 200B has been made and successfully launched by the Indian company Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA). The aircraft also puts India in a strong position in cost-effective defense solutions. The FWD 200B is also being compared with America’s Predator Drone. You will be surprised to know that the cost of this combat UAV is one tenth of cost of the Predator Drone being purchased from America. It means the price of this indigenous UAV is ten times less that of MQ-9B.
What are the key features of FWD 200B?
With the launch of FWD 200B, India joins the club of nations which are armed with advanced unmanned combat aircraft. While equipping India with modern defense capabilities, this UAV is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
The aircraft is six metres long, with an eight-metre wingspan. The FWD 200B carries optical payloads for surveillance, air strikes and bombing. It can carry a payload of 100 kg. It is equipped with weapons like optical surveillance payload and missiles for precision air strikes. This UAV’s maximum speed is 370 kilometers per hour.
The FWD 200B can lift a weight of 498 kg at the time of take off. It can fly in the sky for 12-20 hours without a stop. The unmanned aircraft is capable of functioning properly even at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level.